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MS in Biomedical Laboratory Management (BLM)

News: (1) The MLS in BLM is now a member of the Professional Sciences Masters (PSM) Network, enriching the student experience and the prestiage of your degree. (2) The GRE is no longer an entry requirement for the BLM.

If you are interested in our Masters in Biomedical Laboratory Management (BLM), we encourage you to attend an informational session workshop on the BLM and other Professional Masters Sciences (PSM) degrees in CUNY. The workshops will be held during the CUNY Graduate Fair at the CUNY Graduate Center (365 5th Avenue) on March 30, 2015 from 3:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-7:00pm in Room C198. You may register for the workshop here.

Overview

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences of Hunter College (MLS/HC) has developed a Master's degree to support career advancement of biomedical laboratory professionals, including MLS alumni. Laboratory personnel may wish to move to management positions in the institutions where they work, or seek positions in other environments. Our partner in this initiative is the School of Professional Studies (SPS) of the City University of NY (http://www.sps.cuny.edu). The objective of the BLM degree is to provide working laboratory professionals with the knowledge and skills to enter positions of leadership in clinical/diagnostic, research, biotechnology, public health and pharmaceutical settings. These laboratories are dedicated to the diagnosis of disease as well as the full range of basic and clinical research and development.

In spite of expressed need by employers and technologists, there are very few management curricula that focus on this workplace environment. The curriculum (30 credits) is divided between HC, offering science and biomedicine classes and SPS, offering business and management classes. The capstone internship completes the academic program. The MS degree is granted by HC following transfer of SPS courses. Graduates also earn the Advanced Certificate in Management (SPS). MLS and SPS have extensive experience preparing professionals for medical and science laboratories, and business managers in a variety of industries, respectively. The required core curriculum is supplemented by elective courses to address the interests of students, and the varied laboratory specializations in which they work. Graduates will accept positions of management in laboratories, as well as the larger institutions of which they are a part.

For whom is this degree designed?

You have been employed as a technologist or in a similar bench role in a biomedical laboratory for at least a year, and are ambitious to use your scientific knowledge to become a leader and decision maker in the lab. You are interested in the financial, personnel and technical aspects of scientific/medical laboratory function as they contribute to human health and scientific progress

What professional goals will the BLM prepare me to achieve?

To accept a management position in a biomedical laboratory (research, diagnostic, biotech/pharmaceutical, public health) requires advanced scientific knowledge as well as basic business skills. Too often, such roles in medical and scientific laboratories are assigned based on the technical expertise of the staff member. While this is critical, it is not adequate to allow a smooth and confident transition to leadership. The ability to analyze financial, scientific and human resources is critical for individuals who will be successful leaders. It is with these goals that the curriculum was designed, and will be refined as we learn from our students and employers. Graduates are prepared to accept positions of management within labs, as well as the larger institutions in which they function (hospitals, government agencies, private industries, etc).

For licensed clinical technologists: Please note that completing the BLM does not provide a license or other formal credential to become a clinical laboratory supervisor or other management role. If this is an area of interest, be sure to study the Public Health Law that defines licensure in these positions (http://w3.health.state.ny.us/dbspace/NYCRR10.nsf/0/8525652c00680c3e852565300063a4e0) and discuss your options with your employer before applying for the BLM.

What are the requirements for admission to the BLM*?

Baccalaureate (BS/BA) in clinical lab science, biology, chemistry or a related discipline, with gpa of at least 3.0/4.0.

Minimum 1 year of bench experience employed in a biomedical laboratory.

Two references, one from current employer/supervisor. Employer letter may indicate willingness to provide guidance to the candidate for the management practicum.

Statement of purpose (500 words) including the aspects of your background that bring you to apply, and your goals in laboratory managment.

*The GRE is not required for the MS in BLM.

What will I study? What is the format of study?

In any given semester, students take classes at HC, SPS or both. Courses are in traditional format, with extensive use of Blackboard educational software. Emphasis is on real world problems and case studies, including group projects that reflect the diverse expertise of your classmates. Your basic and molecular science background, as well as your experience in the workplace will influence class content. Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings.

A. REQUIRED HUNTER COLLEGE COURSES

MLS 700. Concepts of Disease and Diagnostic Strategies. Several model disease entities (e.g. diabetes, selected infectious diseases and cancers) will be analyzed to design strategies for effective laboratory studies in screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment and long term follow-up for positive patient outcomes and cost effectiveness.

MLS 701. Emerging Laboratory Technologies. New technologies in biomedical science will be analyzed for scientific innovation, cost effectiveness and impact on patient and research outcomes. Applications to a group of model disease states will form the basis of project learning. Expert visiting faculty enhance learning.

MLS 400.66/EOHS770.25 Topics: Biohazards and Emergency Response. Biology of microorganisms and toxins most frequently associated with perpetrated attacks; including technology for detection and control for first responders, lab practitioners, emergency communication and prevention. Included are group projects that simulate bioterrorism events and responses. Government regulation, chain of evidence and related topics are also covered.

MLS 710. Management Practicum. Students successfully completing all (or most) courses in the MS will design and implement a specific management project, most often in the laboratory in which they work. In depth peer and instructor review of written and presented versions will culminate in final blueprint for institutional change. Supervision will be shared by on-site director and course faculty. Students not currently afflilated with an appropriate workplace will be assisted to find a suitable site for the capstone project.

MLS 720. Risk Management for the Biomedical Laboratory. The biomedical lab must manage risk from diverse origins, including lab/medical hazards, regulation, and fiscal sources, similar to any business entity. This case-based course explores each of these with model interventions. Government and other regulatory systems are studied.

B. REQUIRED SPS COURSES

MGT 681. Graduate Financial Management. Students learn to define, comprehend, and apply a market-driven theory for ethically based, strategic financial decisions. Important issues include the return and risk of the activity to invest, the size of the investment, and the sources for financing the investment. Each decision is part of the overall financial strategy that adds value to the shareholder. Topics include: financial markets, financial reporting, the cost of capital, portfolio analysis, capital structure, dividend policy, options, cash management, and international monetary issues.

ORG 680. Graduate Organizational Behavior. Organizational behavior is the field of study that investigates the impact of individuals, groups and structure on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying this knowledge to improve an organization’s effectiveness. It draws from a number of different fields including psychology, sociology, and anthropology. The focus of the course is examination of the theoretical and empirical foundations of organizational behavior to provide a framework for understanding its applications in work settings. To accomplish this objective, we will look at people on three levels: as individuals, in interpersonal relationships, and in groups and collectives.

MGT 680. Human Resource Management-Graduate. This subject adopts a "macro" or "strategic" approach to Human Resource Management through a critical analysis of recent literature on the role of Human Resource Management in organizations and through consideration of the application of this literature to work organizations. Various models of strategic Human Resource Management and the strategic relationships between Human Resource Management and programs of management and organizational change are considered.

How long will I study? Can I complete the BLM part-time?

As working professionals, we understand that most students will pursue the degree on a part-time basis. Typically 2-3 years has proven adequate to complete the curriculum, including the practicum. Several of the first graduates (June 2014) have found opportunities for advancement.

What is the credit load, and available financial aid?

The full curriculum is 30 graduate credits. Financial aid is available to CUNY students matriculated in Master’s curricula (http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/finaid/). As working professionals, it is important to be aware of tuition benefits associated with your employment, union contracts and other sources. The faculty recognizes that some of our students will have completed similar classes in the past. We will carefully examine student records on an individual basis to grant equivalent credit wherever possible to expedite the completion of the degree, and limit cost.

When will I able to enroll in the BLM?

Students may enter the BLM in the Fall or Spring semester. You may begin with HC and/or SPS classes. Applications are submitted online to Graduate Admissions (http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/graduateadmissions). See the site for deadlines and detailed requirements. Non-degree status may be considered for one semester for students who meet entry requirements.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2015 with a deadline of April 1st (see site for some exceptions).

Contact Information

Please feel free to contact one of us (email is preferable) if you have additional questions.

If you are interested in our Masters in Biomedical Laboratory Management (BLM), we encourage you to attend an informational session workshop on the BLM and other Professional Masters Sciences (PSM) degrees in CUNY. The workshops will be held during the CUNY Graduate Fair at the CUNY Graduate Center (365 5th Avenue) on March 30, 2015 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 7:00pm in Room C198. You may register for the workshop here.